The daughters of the former Duke of York, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, are reportedly weighing a significant decision following a personal invitation to the Princess of Wales’s annual Christmas concert.
The event, a carol service held at Westminster Abbey, is a highlight of the royal calendar. This year’s gathering, themed around “love in all its forms,” is scheduled for early December and typically draws a host of royal family members and public figures.
Observers note the invitation places the sisters in a delicate position. Their attendance could be interpreted as a show of family unity during a challenging period. However, their presence would inevitably draw intense public and media scrutiny, given the ongoing controversies surrounding their father.
The former Duke of York was formally stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages and no longer uses his “His Royal Highness” style following a settlement in a civil sexual assault case in the United States, which he has consistently denied. He has since relocated from his former royal residence.
According to sources familiar with internal discussions, the Princess of Wales has been a steadying influence, advocating for decisions aimed at protecting the monarchy’s reputation. The invitation to her cousins is seen by some as a potential olive branch, extending an opportunity for connection at a traditional family occasion.
Ultimately, the choice rests with Beatrice and Eugenie. Accepting could signal a step toward reconciliation, while declining might be viewed as avoiding a potentially awkward spotlight. Their decision will be closely watched as an indicator of the current dynamics within the wider royal family.
